Page 68 of Truth or Spare

Dewey hadn’t minded having all of his clothes replaced with better fitting, higher-end versions of the things he’d brought. And he had tolerated wearing a suit to dinner when they were in Vienna because Johann hadinsisted.But he was already relieved to be free of his Austrian shadow as they headed to Schönbühel and his mind boggled at how Theo and his brothers had tolerated the Foundation for so long.

Of course, Theo had escaped to Oslo, Matteo had set up shop in Manhattan at the Olympia, and Elio was well-insulated with his studies at Cambridge. That left Leo to bear the brunt of the Foundation’s scrutiny and Dewey had a whole new understanding of what it meant to be a von Hessen as he stepped out of the limo at Schönbühel.

The castle itself was something from a fairy tale, with flag-capped turrets, ivy-wrapped towers, high walls, and a drawbridge, but it looked like a beautiful cage to Dewey. Instead of being impressed by the size and orderliness of the staff or the extensive gardens, Dewey pitied Leopold von Hessen as he took in the extravagant castle and courtyard around him.

“There they are!” Theo had declared when the doors were opened by footmen and a more dignified and impossibly elegant, older version of Theo came down the steps. Dressed in a formal, dark gray, three-piece suit, he certainly looked the part of the proper margrave. A beautiful younger man with blond hair was at his side. Unlike Leo, he was dressed in an oversized ivory sweater, paint-smudged jeans, and Converse.

Muriel Hormsby appeared at the young man’s side and offered them a regal nod, but Leo’s entire demeanor changed the moment his gaze settled upon Theo. Ahugesmile filled his face and his eyes glittered as he jogged down the stairs. “Welcome back to Schönbühel!” he said as he tackled Theo, pulling him into a tight hug. He cradled the back of Theo’s head as he rocked them, laughing ecstatically. “Mein Gott, I’ve missed you.”

Theo’s eyes were closed as he held onto Leo and Dewey saw a tear roll down his cheek. “I’ve missed you too.”

The young man next to Dewey offered him a little wave but neither wanted to interrupt Theo and Leo’s reunion and allowed them as much time as they needed to laugh, cry, hug, and muss each other’s hair.

“You look good and you are well,” Leo said as he held Theo away from him and looked him over, sounding relieved as he nodded. He smiled as he turned to Dewey, offering his hand. “Welcome to Schönbühel and our family, Doobie,” he said as he clasped Dewey’s hand in both of his and shook it firmly. “Thank you for taking such good care of Theo.”

“Thank you, Leo, but it was my pleasure,” Dewey replied. Theo had advised Dewey to address Leo informally since they were all family at Schönbühel. None of the von Hessens could use their titles within Austria and were all referred to as “Herr.” But Dewey still felt awkward and was overwhelmed by Theo’s imposing older brother until Leo introduced Jonathon.

The stern, reserved lord transformed into a lovesick puppy the moment Leo’s eyes met Jonathon’s. “Doobie, this is my Jonathon. Jonathon, this is Mr. Dewey Brooks of Oslo, New York,” Leo said and Jonathon looked amused as he offered Dewey his hand.

“It’s wonderful to meet you, Doobie. I’m Jonathon, formerly of Manhattan, New York. Welcome to our home,” he said as he shook Dewey’s hand, turning towards Muriel. “I believe you’ve already had the pleasure of meeting my aunt.”

She had her lorgnette out and was sizing Dewey up. “You’re looking better. Well done, Theobald.”

They were given a tour and served a light lunch, then Dewey was surprised by an invitation from Leo to accompany him on a walk. “Only if you are feeling up to it,” Leo insisted. “I know youhave a condition and you’re probably still jet lagged,” he said, but Dewey shook his head.

“I could use a little exercise and fresh air. I had a great time in Italy, but I’ve been cooped up in cars and hotels since we arrived in Austria.”

“If you’re certain,” Leo said as he led Dewey out the dining room's terrace doors and down the back steps. “I prefer being outdoors and get restless too easily,” he admitted.

“I’ve never been good at sitting still either.”

“Gut!” Leo clapped him on the back affectionately. “You will let me know if you need to rest or if we should turn back,” he commanded as they set off.

“I’ll be fine,” Dewey said and whistled at the fountains, rows of sculpted topiaries, and classical statues decorating the castle’s extensive garden. “Although, I don’t envy whoever’s in charge of all of this,” he said, making Leo chuckle.

“Herr Eder and his team are very skilled. But tell me, how are you managing your condition? I have read that the prognosis for myasthenia gravis is generally positive and that you can live a nearly normal life with treatment, a good diet, and regular exercise. Remission is possible as well,” he said hopefully, but Dewey shook his head.

“I think I might be outside that window. It took me a while to realize something serious was wrong, and then it took my doctor a while to put the clues together.”

“Schade,” Leo whispered sadly and Dewey waved it off.

“I’m doing a lot better now and I can go days without feeling it.”

“That’s good,” Leo said with a broad smile and Dewey realized that the concern was not as much abouthiswell being, but Theo’s.

“I wasn’t in good shape when I first met Theo,” Dewey admitted. “But I’m taking much better care of myself now andI’m workinga lotless. That’s my priority because Ineedmyenergy to keep up with Theo and I don’t want to miss out on any of the fun.”

“I can’t tell you how much that pleases me,” Leo said warmly, giving Dewey’s shoulder a squeeze. He didn’t talk as much with his hands as Theo and Matteo, but Leo was just as tactile with those he cared about.

“I’m bowling again,” Dewey said to him and Leo’s brows rose.

“Wonderful. Ja? I know very little about bowling.”

Dewey nodded. “It’s pretty wonderful. I had to give it up for a while because I was killing myself with work and life. For a Brooks, that’s devastating. Like being from a long line of fishermen and having to give up the sea.”

“That must have been difficult.”

“It was, and I made it worse by being too proud to tell people I was sick. But Theo helped with…everything. I have more than enough help at the bowling alley, I get plenty of rest, and I’m eating better,” he explained, earning a knowing hum from Leo.

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